With Apple’s new watch software (watchOS 6), users of later Apple Watch variants like the Watch 4 will (purportedly) finally be able to download and install new watch apps straight on their wrists. This is in line with the latest enhancements made by the Cupertino-based giant to make the Apple Watch become a little more independent. With that said, the Apple Watch is gradually breaking free from the iPhone and the App Store is coming to your Apple Watch. All these are made possible by Apple’s software developers who are working diligently in creating an App Store right on the watch, thus making it a standalone device. And if that time comes and your Apple Watch would bump into some trouble downloading apps straight from the App Store, you will be obliged to resolve it. One of the usual App Store errors that are likely to occur is on connectivity. In case you will face the same problem in the future and your Apple Watch 4 won’t connect to the App Store, I’ve prepared a list of possible solutions for you to try. Read on for more information.
Before moving on, if you have issues with your smartwatch and are trying to find a solution for it, visit our Apple Watch 4 troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common issues with this device. Find issues that are similar to yours and feel free to use our solutions. If you need more help, fill up our questionnaire so we can help you.
Troubleshooting an Apple Watch 4 that won’t connect to App Store
Prior to eliminating software-related factors that might have barred your Apple Watch 4 from connecting to the App Store, try to check the current status of the App Store server. An obvious reason why an iOS device won’t be able to connect to the App Store is because the server is down or unavailable. You can head on to the Apple Support status page to view the current status of the App Store server. If it’s currently experiencing downtimes, then App Store services are not available at the moment. In that case, all you have to do is to wait until the problem is resolved and the App Store server is back up and working properly again. If there’s no problem with the App Store server but still your Apple Watch 4 won’t connect, then you may go ahead and try these lined up solutions.
First solution: Refresh your Internet connection.
You can start working on the main source of your Internet connection, which is either a modem or wireless router (depending on your network setup). If you can access that network equipment right now, then follow these steps to power cycle it. Doing so can help eliminate random Internet connectivity symptoms inflicted by minor firmware issues on the network equipment. Simply follow these steps whenever you’re ready:
- Press the Power button to turn the modem/router off completely.
- While it’s powered off, unplug its AC adapter from the power source.
- After 30 seconds, press the Power button to turn the device back on again.
- Wait for the signal indicator to become stable and then reconnect to Wi-Fi.
You can also use the Wi-Fi toggle to refresh the Internet connection by turning Wi-Fi feature of your Apple Watch 4 off for a few seconds and then back on again. Just follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch 4.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
- Toggle the switch next to Wi-Fi to turn it off.
- After a few seconds, tap the switch again to turn Wi-Fi back on.
Another simple yet handy trick to resolve minor problems affecting wireless services is the so-called Airplane Mode tweak. It works by simultaneously rebooting wireless radios and relevant services on your device and thereby eliminates random connection errors that might have prevented your Watch 4 from connecting to the App Store. Here’s how it’s done:
- Open the Settings app on your watch.
- Tap Airplane Mode.
- Toggle the Airplane Mode switch to turn the feature ON. The orange Airplane mode icon will then show up on the top-rightmost side of the watch display before the time.
- While Airplane Mode is turned on, restart your Watch 4.
- Then open the Settings app again to get back to Airplane mode.
- Toggle the Airplane Mode switch again to turn the feature off.
- Press the Digital Crown to go back to the main screen.
Then retry connecting to the App Store and see if the problem is fixed. If your Watch 4 still won’t connect to the App Store, proceed to the next method.
ALSO READ: How to fix Apple Watch 4 Bluetooth pairing problems, won’t pair with Bluetooth-enabled device
Second solution: Reboot your Apple Watch 4 that won’t connect to the App Store.
Like any other apps, the App Store can also give into random errors attributed to minor system glitches and firmware crashes. To rectify these errors, rebooting the device would usually suffice. Hence, if you haven’t already, follow these steps to reboot or soft reset your Apple Watch:
- Hold down the Side button for a few seconds and then slide to Power Off the watch.
- After a few seconds, press the Side button to turn the Apple watch back on.
You can also reboot its paired iPhone to eliminate random iOS errors from the underlying cause.
Third solution: Manage date and time settings on your watch.
Incorrect date and time settings can also cause conflicts to App Store services and may result in downloading and updating errors. To make sure this isn’t halting your watch from connecting to the App Store, try to check and manage the date and time settings.
The date and time settings on your Apple Watch are the same as that of its paired iPhone. Nonetheless, setting a custom time on the Apple Watch is also possible. Before customizing the date and time information on your watch, care to check and manage the date and time settings on its paired iPhone.
- To do this, simply head on over to your iPhone Settings-> General-> Date & Time menu. If necessary, enable the option to Set Automatically.
Otherwise, change the time zone or date and time manually by tapping on the given options.
If that doesn’t help, then try to set a custom time on your watch through these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your watch to get started.
- Tap on Time.
- Then tap the button in the middle of the Time screen.
- Adjust the time by turning the Digital Crown.
- Then tap Set when done.
Reboot the watch after making all these changes, and then try to see if that fixes the problem.
ALSO READ: How to fix an Apple Watch 4 that won’t update, Apple WatchOS update error
Fourth solution: Update your watch software to the latest version available.
Installing the latest updates can also be considered a possible solution especially if software bugs and system data errors are at fault. Updates released by Apple for iOS and watchOS usually embed fix patches that are programmed to get rid of stubborn bugs and malwares. Before you proceed, connect your Apple Watch to its charger as it has to be charged until the entire updating process is complete. Then follow these steps to get started:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Then tap the My Watch tab.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Download the update, if available.
- Enter your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode if prompted to continue.
Wait for the progress wheel to show up on your Apple Watch. Be sure to keep your Apple Watch next to your iPhone to ensure they’re within range. Your iPhone must also be connected to Wi-Fi Internet. The update process could take several minutes to an hour to complete. Just wait until it’s all done. After updating, restart your Apple Watch to apply the recent system changes.
Fifth solution: Reset network settings on your iPhone.
Resetting the network settings on the paired iPhone of your watch may also be the key to resolving the issue if random network errors on the phone are to blame. To clear this out, performing a network settings reset would be necessary. Here’s how it’s done:
- Tap Settings from the Home screen to get started.
- Select General.
- Scroll down to and tap on Reset.
- Select the option to Reset network settings. All your current network settings and configurations are then deleted while the default network values and options are restored.
- If prompted, tap the option to confirm that you want to reset network settings on your device.
Reboot your phone and Apple Watch after the reset. Then reconnect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and try to see if that resolves the App Store connection error on your Apple Watch 4.
ALSO READ: How to reset Apple Watch
Does your Apple Watch 4 still won’t connect to the App Store?
Make sure that the Apple ID set up on your Apple Watch 4 is correct. If you have multiple Apple IDs and are not sure which Apple ID is used on your Apple Watch, then you may have to consider logging out and back into the App Store using the correct Apple ID and password information. If all else failed and your Apple Watch 4 still won’t connect to the App Store, contact your Internet service provider/carrier to verify the current network status. There might be some temporary outages affecting online apps and services at the moment. You can also escalate the problem to Apple Support for further assistance and official recommendations.
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